Fitness goal and guidance system

ABSTRACT

A fitness goal and guidance system and method display a dial to a person exercising. The system and method further display a first indicator on the dial representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal, a second indicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing exercise session based upon on signals indicating ongoing exercise performance by the person exercising, and a third indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time.

BACKGROUND

Many fitness goals require repeated exercise over multiple individualexercise sessions. Although existing fitness monitors or displays mayprovide a person with feedback as to performance for an individualexercise session, most fitness monitors or displays do not provide aperson with feedback regarding progression towards a multi-sessionexercise goal. Those that do are not intuitive, are difficult to readand are not motivational.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example fitness goal andguidance system.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method that may be carried out bythe system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example implementation of thefitness goal and guidance system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method that may be carried out bythe system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of the systemof FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example display configuration of the system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another example display configuration of thesystem of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an example portable electronic device with anexample display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG.5.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG.5.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG.5.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG.5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example fitness goal and guidancesystem 20. As will be described hereafter, system 20 provides a personexercising with a dial and associated indicators which provide a personwith information indicating both the performance of the person duringthe individual exercise session as well as performance of the persontowards a multi-session exercise metric goal. This information isprovided in an easily viewed, easy-to-read, intuitive and motivationalmanner.

As shown by FIG. 1, system 20 comprises electronic input 22 andcontroller 26. Electronic input 22 comprises a device to receiveelectronic signals indicating an exercise metric by a person during anongoing exercise session. In other words, electronic input 22 comprisesa device that receives electronic signals indicating a person'sperformance with regard to one or more individual metrics (fitness orperformance measurements) while the person is engaged in the exerciseactivity. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “exercise session”means a period of substantially uninterrupted time during which a personpartakes in a single homogenous exercise activity. Different exercisesessions may occur on a same piece of exercise equipment or fitnessequipment unit, may occur on different pieces of fitness equipment orfitness equipment units, or may occur in the absence of a fitnessequipment unit. Different exercise sessions may occur over multiple daysor may occur during a single day. For example, during a single trip to afitness facility or health club for a workout, a person may engage inmultiple “exercise sessions” on different fitness equipment units. Oneexercise session might be an uninterrupted period of time on anelliptical machine while another exercise session might be anuninterrupted time on a treadmill. One exercise session might bemultiple sets of bench presses. Another exercise session might bemultiple sets of curls. Another exercise session might be a five-milerun outdoors on a trail.

During such exercise sessions, electronic input 22 receives signalsindicating the person's performance with respect to one or more exercisemetrics. Example of exercise metrics include but are not limited to,distance (mileage), duration (time, repetitions), calories, work (forceand resistance multiplied by distance and number of repetitions) and thelike. The signals received by electronic input 22 indicating performancewith regard to such exercise metrics may be received from one or moresensors located on a fitness equipment unit, through manual input usinga keyboard, keypad, touchpad, microphone, touchscreen and the like) orfrom a space-based satellite navigation system such as a globalpositioning system (GPS) source (such as when a person is running) Inone implementation, electronic input 22 is local with respect tocontroller 26 and/or display 24. In another implementation, electronicinput 22 may be remote from controller 26, wherein such signals aretransmitted to controller 26 in a wired or wireless fashion.

Controller 26 comprises one or more circuits or processing unitsconfigured to receive signals from electronic input 22 and to generatecontrol signals causing a display 28 to visibly present information to aperson while the person is exercising. Display 28 comprises any deviceconfigured to provide a visible presentation to a person while theperson is exercising based upon signals received from controller 26. Inone implementation, display 28 comprises a monitor or display directlyassociated with a fitness equipment unit. In another implementation,display 28 comprises a monitor or display provided independent of anyfitness equipment unit, such as a television, a desktop monitor or aportable electronic device. Examples of portable electronic devicesinclude, but are not limited to, flash memory players, computer tablets,personal data assistants, smart phones and spaced-based satellitenavigation system or GPS display wearables such as wrist-top computers,wristbands and the like having displays.

For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall meana presently developed or future developed processing unit that executessequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of thesequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform stepssuch as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in arandom access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from aread only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistentstorage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in placeof or in combination with software instructions to implement thefunctions described. For example, controller 26 may be embodied as partof one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unlessotherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to anyspecific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to anyparticular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.In one implementation, controller 26 may be directly associated withdisplay 28, wherein controller 26 not only directs what content is beingpresented on display 28 but directs the operation of display 28 itself.

In another implementation, controller 26 may be independent of display28, wherein a separate controller receives the signals from controller26 and controls the functional operation of display 28 based uponsignals from controller 26. For example, in one implementation,controller 26 may be provided by a server remote from display 28,wherein signals indicating the content (images and data) to be presentedon display 28 are transmitted over a wide area network (Internet) or alocal-area network in a wired or wireless fashion to the localcontroller of display 28. In one implementation, electronic input 22 anddisplay 28 may be provided as part of a fitness equipment unit or aspart of a portable electronic device, wherein the electronic input 22receives signals indicating an excise metric by the person during anongoing exercise session and transmits such signals to a remotelylocated controller 26 (such as a controller in the cloud or at a centralcomputing site associate with a fitness facility). Using such signals,controller 26 generates control signals for directing what contentshould be displayed on display 28 and transmits such control signals tothe fitness equipment unit or to the portable electronic deviceincluding electronic input 22 and display 28. Upon receiving suchcontrol signals from controller 26, display 28 presents the informationto the person while he or she is exercising.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method 100 that may be carriedout using system 20 of FIG. 1. As indicated by step 102 and depicted ondisplay 28 of FIG. 1, controller 26 generates control signals causingdisplay 28 to display or present a dial 40 to a person while he or sheis exercising. The dial 40 may be presented on a monitor associated witha fitness equipment unit while the person is engaged in an exerciseactivity on the fitness equipment unit or may be presented on a portableelectronic device viewable by the person while the person is engaged inan exercise activity. For example, a person running may view his or hercomputing wearable or may view another portable electronic device thathe or she may be carrying while running, lifting weights (resistancetraining) and the like. Such a portable electronic device may besupported by a fitness equipment unit and viewed by the person while theperson is engaged in an exercise session.

As indicated by step 104, controller 26 generates control signalsdirecting display 28 to display or present a start time indicator 42representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal(MSEMG). The starting time is the time at which exercise metrics forsessions are first counted towards the multi-session excise metric goal.In the example illustrated, the start time indicator 42 is displayed atthe 12:00 clock position. In other implementations, the start timeindicator 42 may be displayed at other clock positions on dial 40.

In one implementation, indicator 42 (schematically shown) may comprise asingle radially extending bar, line or mark on dial 40. For purposes ofthis disclosure, an indicator is considered to be on the dial when theindicator is positioned within or outside of the perimeter of dial 40,but circumferentially located with respect to the center point or axis44 of dial 40, like numbering on a clock face. In other implementations,indicator 42 may comprise other graphical depictions or alphanumericcharacters, such as a graphical depiction of a race starting line or thelike.

Indicator 42 provides a person exercising with an intuitive referencepoint for understanding other indicators on dial 40. In oneimplementation, starting indicator 42 is located so as tocircumferentially coincide with the end time or finishing point for theMSEMG. In other words, the MSEMG value is proportioned 360 degrees aboutaxis 44. For example, a distance MSEMG of 10 miles would apportion anangle of 36 degrees about axis 44 to each mile or 3.6 degrees to eachtenth of a mile. Such an apportionment changes for each MSEMB dependingupon the value of the MSEMG. In other implementations, although possiblybeing less intuitive to quickly visually determine status andadvancement towards the multi session goal), starting indicator 42 maybe angularly offset from the end time or finishing point for the MSEMG.

As indicated by step 106 and depicted on dial 40 of display 28,controller 26 generates control signals directing display 28 to displayor present an ongoing performance indicator 48. Indicator 48 moves aboutaxis 44 in proportion to and based upon signals from electronic input 22during an ongoing exercise session. The starting point during anyoneexercise session for the position or location of indicator 48 is theending point for indicator 48 at the conclusion of the immediatelypreceding exercise session of the series of sessions during which theMSEMG is to be attained. For example, if the metric being measured isdistance and during a first session the person runs or otherwisetraverses 3 miles, the starting point for indicator 48 at the beginningof the second session would be the 3 mile location (angularly spacedabout axis 44 from indicator 42 by an arc proportional to the three-milevalue). If during a second session the person runs 7 miles, the startingpoint for the third session would be the 10 mile location (angularlyspaced about axis 44 from indicator 42 by an arc having a lengthproportional to the 10 mile value). This information format allows aperson exercising to quickly and intuitively ascertain his or her statuswith regard to an individual exercise session target as well as withregards to the longer-term multi-session exercise metric goal. As aresult, the person exercising may maintain his or her focus on theexercise activity itself rather than on a display.

In one implementation, a rate at which indicator 48 moves about axis 44is also proportional to the rate at which the value for an exercisemetric is being increased. For example, when dial 40 is representing adistance MSEMG, the location of indicator 48 about axis 44 indicates atotal distance achieved thus far, wherein indicator 48 will move fasteror slower about axis 44 depending upon how fast the person may berunning. In other implementations, the location of indicator 48 aboutaxis 44 on display 28 may be adjusted at predetermined or predefinedtime intervals, wherein indicator 40 is stationary between suchadjustment times.

As with indicator 42, indicator 48 (schematically shown) may be visiblypresented with various graphical depictions. For example, indicator 48may comprise a single radially extending bar, line or mark on dial 40.In other implementations, indicator 42 may comprise other graphicaldepictions or alphanumeric characters, such as a graphical depiction ofa runner or person exercising.

In one implementation, characteristics of indicator 48 may changedepending upon exercise performance characteristics. For example, in oneimplementation, indicator 48 may change color, brightness, flashingfrequency or the like depending upon whether the signals received fromelectronic input 22 indicate that progress of a person towards anindividual target excise metric is slowing down or is at a pace suchthat the individual session exercise metric will not be attained. As aresult, the characteristics of indicator 48 may indicate to the personthat he or she should speed up or pick up the pace of activity duringthe individual exercise session. In such an implementation, the MSEMGmay incorporate at least two metrics. For example, although the dial mayrepresent a distance goal, the color of the indicator 48 may indicatewhether or not a person is satisfying his or her predefined running paceobjective while pursuing the distance goal.

As indicated by step 108 and depicted on dial 40 of display 28 in FIG.1, controller 26 generates control signals causing display 28 to displayor present an adjusted cumulative indicator 54. Indicator 54 isangularly spaced from indicator 42 (the starting time indicator) aboutaxis 44 by a sum of arc 58 and arc 60. Arc 58 is the angular distanceabout axis 44 corresponding and proportional to the target value for theexercise metric for the ongoing individual exercise session. Forexample, a 10 session MSEMG goal of 100 miles may use an equalapportionment, wherein the target value for each exercise session is 10miles. In an implementation where the full 360 degrees of dial 40corresponds to the 100 mile goal, the angular distance of arc 58 wouldbe 36 degrees. In other implementations, individual sessions may havedifferent, unequal metric target values. For example, with respect tothe above example, initial sessions may have target values of less than10 miles while later sessions have target values of greater than 10miles, allowing the person to build up his or her distance andendurance. In such implementations, the length of arc 58 may varydepending upon which session is ongoing.

Arc 60 corresponds and is proportional to a cumulation of exercisemetric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercisesession since the starting time. For example, if the ongoing exercisesession is the third exercise session of the series of exercise sessionsconstituting the total number of exercise sessions, at the end of whichthe MSEMG goal is to be attained, arc 60 has an arcuate lengthproportional to the total value of the metric achieved during theprevious two exercise sessions. For example, with respect to the aboveexample, if the person completed 3 miles during the first session and 7miles during a second session (a total distance of 10 miles out of the100 mile total goal) prior to the ongoing third session, arc 60 wouldhave an arcuate length of 36 degrees.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates fitness goal and guidance system 120,an example implementation of system 20. System 120 is similar to system20 except that system 120 is specifically illustrated as comprisingelectronic input 122 and controller 126 in lieu of electronic input 22and controller 26, respectively. As shown by FIG. 3, electronic input122 comprises an electronic device to receive signals from multipledistinct sources, wherein the signals indicate an exercise metric by aperson during an ongoing exercise session. In the example illustrated,electronic input 122 comprises one or more device to receive ongoingexercise performance metric values, in the form of electronic signals,from fitness equipment units 164, 166, satellite navigation system 168and manual input 170. Fitness equipment units 164, 166 (also referred toas exercise machines, fitness machines, and the like) comprise distincttypes of exercise machines or exercise equipment. Examples of differenttypes of fitness equipment units 164, 166 include, but are not limitedto, elliptical machines, stepper machines, rowing machines, stationarybicycles, adaptive motion machines, ski simulation machines, leg pressmachines and resistive or weightlifting exercise equipment.

Satellite navigation system 168 comprises a space-based satellite systemwhich provides locational information for use in determining distancestraversed by a person during exercise independent of any fitnessequipment unit. One example of satellite navigation system 168 comprisesa global positioning system source. In such an implementation,electronic input 122 may comprise an appropriate antenna for receivingsignals from the satellite navigation system 168.

Manual input 170 comprise a keyboard, touchpad, touch screen, mouse,stylus, microphone and speech recognition software alike by which aperson may manually or personally enter data. For example, a personengaged with a resistive weightlifting machine may manually enter theweight being lifted or the number repetitions being lifted (in contrastto another implementation where such values may be sensed). In someimplementations, manual input 170 may be further connected to controller126 for inputting a MSEMG.

In one implementation, electronic input 122 may be provided on a singleportable electronic device having one or more ports, antennas and thelike to facilitate communication with the different types of fitnessequipment units and 164, 166, the satellite navigation system 168 or themanual input 170. In such an implementation, the person or user mayselectively connect electronic input 122 to the particular component164, 166, 168, 170 being utilized during the individual exercisesession. In another implementation, electronic input 122 may comprisedistinct sensors or antennas associated with the different fitnessequipment units 164, 166 as well the satellite navigation system 168 andmanual input 170, wherein such the signals from the different locationsare transmitted to controller 126.

Controller 126 is similar to controller 26 except the controller 126 isspecifically configured to carry out method 200 illustrated in the flowdiagram of FIG. 4. As indicated by step 202, controller 126 receives aMSEMG. As indicated by step 202, controller 126 utilizes the receivedMSEMG and the associated number of sessions for achieving the goal todetermine initial target metric values to be achieved during thedifferent exercise sessions. In one implementation, the individualtarget session values may all be equal. In another implementation, theindividual initial target session values may be different, such as wherethe target values ramp-up from one session to the next or peek at anintermediate session. Step 202 is generally carried out prior to thestart of the first exercise session of the series of sessions.

As indicated by step 204, prior to each exercise session, controller 126obtains any prior session exercise metric results. During the firstexercise session, there are no such results. As indicated by step 206,controller 126 adds up the results of the previous individual exercisesessions to determine cumulative value of the prior metric results(CMR). As indicated by step 208, controller 126 compares the CMR to theMSEMG. The comparison identifies whether or not the person'sperformance, to date, is on track or in line with the end objective orgoal. In one implementation, controller 126 may generate control signalscausing display 28 to present the result of the comparison (a percentagecompletion value).

As indicated by step 210, controller 126 utilizes the completedcomparison to determine a session target adjustment (STA). The sessiontarget adjustment is a metric value to be added to (or subtracted fromin the case of an overachieving pace for fear of burnout) to one or moreof the predetermined initial session target values determined in step202 so as to reduce or eliminate any difference between a current oractual pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goaland a predetermined pace (determined in step 202) for the person toattain the multi-session exercise metric goal. In one implementation,the comparison is step 208 may indicate that the person is behind wherehe or she should be, wherein the deficiency is made up by a singlesession target adjustment. In another implementation, the deficiency maybe made up by the deficiency amount being added to and spread acrossseveral successive exercise sessions. According to one example, system120, during a setup mode, may allow the person or his or her trainer toindicate (using manual input 170) how fast any determined pacedeficiencies should be made up during one of more subsequent exercisesessions.

As indicated by step 212, controller 126 determines a multiple sectionexercise metric estimate using the current pace to date of the person.The current pace MSEM estimate is an estimate of the value of the metricthat will have been attained upon completion of all of the sessionsgiven the current pace which is based upon the cumulative metric resultsfor those sessions completed to date.

As indicated by step 214, controller 126 further determines the currentMSEMG shortfall. The current MSEMG shortfall is an estimate of the finalmultiple session exercise metric based on the assumption that each ofthe subsequent initial session target values (determined in step 202)will be attained. For example, with regard to the above 10 session 100mile MSEMG, if after three sessions, the person has completed 18 miles,the current MSEMG shortfall would be 88 miles (100−(100/10×3sessions−18)).

As indicated by step 216 and as depicted on display 28 of FIG. 3,controller 126 causes display 28 to present indicators 242, 244, 248,254, 260, 262, 264 and 266. In the example shown in FIG. 3, each of theindicators is indicated by a radial line, hash or mark. In otherimplementations, such indicators may comprise other graphics or icons.

Indicators 242, 248 and 254 identical to indicators 42, 48 and 54described above except that such indicators are specifically illustratedwith the aforementioned radial lines. Indicator 244 comprises anindicator on dial 40 indicating the determined CMR (pursuant to step206). Indicator 260 comprises an indicator on dial 40 indicating asuggested alteration of the initial session target value for the oneongoing session (as indicated by indicator 254) based upon thedetermination made in step 210 of method 200. In the exampleillustrated, indicator 260 is angularly spaced from indicator 254 aboutaxis 44 by an arc 270 having a length corresponding to determinecumulative shortfall for the metric after the last completed exercisesession. In other words, the session target adjustment represented bythe length of arc 270 is proportional to a metric amount or value thatwill completely make up the deficiency in the ongoing exercise session.Indicator 262 on dial 40 represents an alternative session targetadjustment having an arc length less than arc 270, wherein thedetermined cumulative deficiency is made up and apportioned overmultiple exercise sessions.

Indicator 264 on dial 40 indicates the current pace MSEM determined instep 212. Indicator 266 on dial 40 indicates the current MSEMG shortfallas determined in step 214. In other implementations, one of more steps210, 212 and 214 may be omitted, wherein their corresponding indicatorswould also be omitted from dial 40.

As indicated by step 218, once the ongoing exercise session has beencompleted, controller 126 adds the value for the metric from the justcompleted exercise session to the prior CMR to determine the new CMR foruse when determining indicators for dial 40 during the next exercisesession. The new CMR is stored.

As indicated by step 220, controller 126 determines whether the numberof sessions identified for completion of the MSEMG have been concludedor completed. As indicated by arrow 222, if additional sessions remainin the allotted number of exercise sessions for completion of the MSEMG,controller 126 returns to step 208 and the process begins anew for thenext exercise session. As indicated by step 224, if the just completedongoing session is the final session, the results are displayed. Asindicated by step 226, if the MSEMG was achieved, controller 126transmits a reward signal to a reward implement 270 (shown in FIG. 3).The reward implement comprises any means or mechanism for implementingthe reward. In one implementation, the reward signal may direct display28 to present be a graphic ribbon, medal or token displayed to theperson on display 28. In another implementation, the reward signal maybe transmitted to an insurance company or some other institutionoffering a monetary prize or other prize in return for a person meetingexerciser fitness goals. A monetary prize may be a discount on goods orservices offered by the institution. For example, a health insuranceprovider may provide a lower health insurance premium based upon thereward signal. A fitness facility may offer a reward upon receiving sucha reward signal such as decreased membership fees, enhanced priority foruse of fitness equipment, clothing or other articles and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates fitness goal and guidance system 320, an exampleimplementation of system 20. System 320 comprises electronic input 122(describe above) and controller 326. Controller 326 comprises an exampleimplementation of controller 126. Controller 326 is similar tocontroller 126 except the controller 326 omits the carrying out of step212 and the display of indicator 264. Controller 326 additionally isconfigured to generate control signals directing display 28 to present apercentage 323 of the MSEMG that has been momentarily attained proximatea center of dial 40. Because the percentage is centrally located on dial40, a person may easily see the ongoing percentage while viewing theother parameters indicated by indicators 242, 244, 248, 254 and 260. Inthe example illustrated, details supporting the percentage 323 arefurther presented in the center of dial 40 (exercise metric beingcalories, wherein at the moment, 330 cal have been burned towards thegoal of burning 1750 cal).

In the example illustrated, controller 126 generates control signalsdirecting display 28 to present additional information pertaining to theindicators presented on dial 40. In particular, controller 126 generatescontrol signals directing display 28 to present the numerical value 327for the initial target metric value (serving as a base for the length ofarc 58 in FIG. 1), to present the numerical value 329 represented byindicator 260 (the length of arc 270 added to the length of arc 58), thenumerical value 331 for the amount of the metric remaining to completethe MSEMG (represented by the length of the arc extending from indicator248 and indicator 242 in a clockwise direction) and the numerical value333 for the value represented by indicator 266 on dial 40. In otherimplementations, one or more of such numerical values may be omitted ormay be presented in other fashions.

FIG. 6 illustrates another display configuration 400 that may bepresented by display 28 in response to control signals received fromcontroller 326 (shown in FIG. 5). As shown by FIG. 6, controller 326 mayfurther direct display 28 to provide a graph illustrating current levelsof a person with regard to multiple different metrics goals which arebeing pursued as part of system 320. In the example illustrated, theperson has established multi-session exercise metric goals pertaining toduration 402 (10 hours), calories 406 (10,000) and distance 408 (10miles). Controller 126 causes display 28 to present various bars 412,414 and 416 indicating the person's progression towards themulti-session goal goals.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example display configuration 500 which ispresented by display 28 in response to control signals from controller126 upon a MSEMG being achieved. In the example illustrated, controller126 transmits a reward signal which results in illustrated medal 504being presented on display 28.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an example implementation of system 320 on aportable electronic device 600. FIG. 8 illustrates system 320 when notreceiving signals from electronic input 122 during an ongoing exercisesession. As shown by FIG. 8, in a status mode, controller 326 generatescontrol signals causing display 28 to present dial 40 but withoutindicators 248, 254 and 260. Rather, controller 326 directs display 28to present status information as of a completion of the last exercisesession, highlighting with bars 602 the portion of the MSEMG remainingfor the final exercise sessions. As shown by FIG. 8, controller 326further indicates the number of sessions (two days in the examplepresented) left to complete the MSEMG.

FIG. 9 illustrates system 320 in an achievements mode in which theachievements for a particular week are displayed. FIG. 10 illustratesdisplay system 320 in a daily achievement display mode wherein thecheers for individual days or individual sessions are displayed. FIG. 11illustrates system 320 in achievement status mode, wherein each ofmultiple MSEMG is presented along with associated status of the persontowards attaining such goals. Lastly, FIG. 12 illustrates system 320 ina profile mode.

Overall, system 320 allows a person to set multiple multi-sessionexercise metric goals for multiple exercise metrics while easilyascertaining and tracking the status of his or her pursuit towards suchgoals. System 320 further provides the person with rewards one suchgoals have been achieved. As a result, system 320 not only notifies theperson over his or her status towards achievement of his or herlonger-term, multi-session exercise goals, but offers both guidance(individual session target adjustments) and motivation (encouragementand reward).

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexample embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although differentexample embodiments may have been described as including one or morefeatures providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that thedescribed features may be interchanged with one another or alternativelybe combined with one another in the described example embodiments or inother alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the presentdisclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology areforeseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to theexample embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestlyintended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specificallyotherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element alsoencompass a plurality of such particular elements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fitness goal and guidance system comprising: anelectronic input to receive signals indicating an exercise metric by aperson during an ongoing exercise session; and a controller to generatecontrol signals to direct a display to visibly present to the person: adial centered about an axis; a first indicator on the dial representinga starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal; a secondindicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing o exercisesession based upon on the signals; and a third indicator angularlyspaced from the first indicator about the axis by a sum of a first arccorresponding to a first target exercise metric value for the ongoingexercise session and a second arc corresponding to a cumulation ofexercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoingexercise session since the starting time.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the controller is configured to generate control signalsdirecting the display to present a fourth indicator angularly spacedfrom the first indicator by the second arc.
 3. The system of claim 2,when the controller is configured to generate control signals directingthe display to present a fifth indicator angularly spaced from the firstindicator by a sum of a third arc corresponding to a second targetexercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and the secondarc, the third arc being different than the first arc.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to generatecontrol signals directing the display to present a sixth indicatorangularly spaced from the first indicator by an arc about the axiscorresponding to an estimated final cumulative result for the exercisemetric based upon a current pace of the person towards the multi-sessionexercise metric goal.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the first targetexercise metric value represented by the first arc is established priorto the starting time and wherein the second target exercise metric valuerepresented by the third arc is determined following the exercisesessions preceding the ongoing exercise session.
 6. The system of claim5, wherein the second target exercise metric value represented by thethird arc is determined based upon a comparison of the cumulation ofexercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoingexercise session since the starting time and the multi-session exercisemetric goal.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second targetexercise metric value represented by the third arc decreases adifference between a current pace of the person towards themulti-session exercise metric goal and a predetermined pace for theperson to attain the multi-session exercise metric goal.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein the first arc is scaled based upon a 360 degree arcequated to the multi-session exercise metric goal.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate controlsignals directing the display to present the a momentary value for theexercise metric for the ongoing exercise session.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the momentary value is displayed proximate a center ofthe dial.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to generate control signals directing the display to presenta percentage of the multi-session exercise metric goal that has beenmomentarily attained.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the percentageis displayed proximate a center of the dial.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the controller is configured to generate control signalsdirecting the display to present a value of a difference between acurrent pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metricgoal and a predetermined pace for the person to attain the multi-sessionexercise metric goal.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercisemetric is selected from a group of metrics consisting of time duration,calories, distance and work.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further configured to generate control signals directingthe display to present a fourth indicator angularly spaced from thefirst indicator by an arc about the axis corresponding to an estimatedfinal cumulative result for the exercise metric based upon a currentpace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal. 16.The system of claim 1, wherein the second arc corresponds to acumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions on differenttypes of fitness equipment units.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein theelectronic input is configured to receive signals from a fitnessequipment unit during a first exercise session and is configured toreceive signals from a space-based satellite navigation system during asecond exercise session, wherein one of the first exercise session andthe second exercise session is the ongoing exercise session.
 18. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the electronic input is configured to receivesignals from a space-based satellite navigation system.
 19. The systemof claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a fitness equipment unit.20. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a portableelectronic device.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to transmit a reward signal upon attainment of themulti-session exercise metric goal.
 22. A method comprising: displayingto a person exercising a dial; displaying a first indicator on the dialrepresenting a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal;display a second indicator angularly moving about the axis during theongoing exercise session based upon on signals indicating ongoingexercise performance by the person exercising; and displaying a thirdindicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis by asum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise metric valuefor the ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to acumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding theongoing exercise session since the starting time.
 23. The method ofclaim 22 further comprising displaying a fourth indicator angularlyspaced from the first indicator by the second arc.
 24. The method ofclaim 23 further comprising displaying a fifth indicator angularlyspaced from the first indicator by a sum of a third arc corresponding toa second target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise sessionand the second arc, the third arc being different than the first arc.25. The method of claim 24 further comprising displaying a sixthindicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by an arc about theaxis corresponding to an estimated final cumulative result for theexercise metric based upon a current pace of the person towards themulti-session exercise metric goal.
 26. The method of claim 24, whereinthe first target exercise metric value represented by the first arc isestablished prior to the starting time and wherein the second targetexercise metric value represented by the third arc is determinedfollowing the exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session.27. The method of claim 26, wherein the second target exercise metricvalue represented by the third arc is determined based upon a comparisonof the cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessionspreceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time and themulti-session exercise metric goal.
 28. An apparatus comprising: anon-transient computer-readable medium containing computer-readableprogramming to direct a processing unit to: receive signals indicatingongoing exercise performance by a person exercising; display a dial tothe person exercising; display a first indicator on the dialrepresenting a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal;display a second indicator angularly moving about the axis during theongoing exercise session based upon on the signals indicating ongoingexercise performance by the person exercising; and display a thirdindicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis by asum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise metric valuefor the ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to acumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding theongoing exercise session since the starting time.